DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame meet in Qatar to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC amidst escalating conflict with M23 rebels. Despite their collaborative statements, uncertainty remains over M23’s compliance and the feasibility of a ceasefire. The talks highlight ongoing tensions and the need for further dialogue as previous peace initiatives have faltered.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwandan President Paul Kagame advocated for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DRC during talks in Qatar, marking their first direct meeting since the escalation of M23 rebel offensives in the region. The ongoing conflict has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 individuals since January.
Uncertainty remains regarding M23’s response to the ceasefire request, especially since they declined to participate in peace negotiations in Angola recently. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of arming M23 and providing military support, a claim Rwanda has contested despite backing from the United States and the United Nations.
Rwanda maintains that its military presence is a defensive measure against the DRC army and allied militias, while the DRC also raises accusations of illegal exploitation of its mineral resources by Rwanda. Previous peace initiatives, such as the December talks in Angola, failed primarily due to Rwanda’s insistence on direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23, resulting in significant territorial gains for the rebels.
In a joint statement following the Qatar talks, the foreign ministry reaffirmed their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire but did not specify implementation or monitoring strategies. Both leaders expressed the need for ongoing discussions in Doha to cultivate a foundation for lasting peace.
The meeting surprised many, given the leaders’ recent public discord, with Kagame emphasizing that collaboration among involved parties could expedite positive outcomes. DRC presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama noted that the talks were facilitated by Qatar’s emir, suggesting a strategic partnership between Qatar and both African nations to promote peace in the region.
This diplomatic engagement comes on the heels of a failed attempt to assemble a DRC and M23 dialogue, after rebels withdrew amid European Union sanctions targeting their leadership.
The recent talks between DRC’s President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Kagame underscore a pivotal moment in their efforts to negotiate peace in eastern DRC amidst ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. Their call for an immediate ceasefire reflects an urgency to stabilize the region, though its implementation remains uncertain. The involvement of Qatar indicates a growing international role in mediating this complex conflict.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
